Phil Hughes remains confident

From a hero in South Africa to almost a non-entity in England, Phil Hughes' short career has already been a roller-coaster ride. However, the opener's spirit is not dampened, and he says he doesn't feel like an outsider in the Australian team.

Hughes wasn't picked for the 3rd and 4th Tests, and also ignored by the selection committee for the ODI fixtures.

He said: "You look back and to be dropped after five Tests is very disappointing but that is what has happened and what was best for the side.

"I am happy to be where I am: 20 years old and in an Ashes series.

"I am not thinking my tour is over, I am going to go into every game, and training session, preparing as though I am going to play. Because you just never know what could happen."

Left-hander Hughes arrived here with a reputation for a swashbuckling style but his attacking prowess has been passed over for the seven one-dayers and two Twenty20 matches against England.

"From a personal point of view, I love playing all three forms of the game," Hughes reflected.

"I love it all. I will go back to New South Wales and work hard on my game. I like listening to ex-players, players in the side now and coaching staff.

"But it is really up to you to work out your game plans. It is up to you to chose what you want to do. I just want to keep improving my game."

Hughes has the backing of the former opening pair for Australia - Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer.

"Personally they have been great to me, I will continue to speak to them, they have said a few things on keeping focus," Hughes revealed.

"They have told me there are tough times around the corner, that this might just be one, and there could be many more to come.

"It is all ups and downs in this great game that we play."

Hayden, for his part, said he was disappointed for Hughes.

"I was naturally very disappointed for Phil. Phil has enormous talent and in the fullness of time, and certainly in the words I've spoken to Phil, his opportunities are not over for Australia," Hayden told Cricinfo.

"With a heavy heart we've seen only very temporarily the conclusion to Phil's opening life but in my opinion he's got a long career ahead of him."

"With extreme talent, perseverance and great support around him, I think he'll have an enormous career in the future."

Hayden pointed to the careers of Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich - who all fought back after being dropped.

"I've spoken to those guys as well. If you look through a lot of the guys who have played at this level have come back very positive and bigger and better," he said.

"Michael Clarke has been great. He's been dropped and look where he's at now, Ricky, Simon, all those guys."